Glenn Seabrooks injury update: Clark Lea reveals Vanderbilt DL's status for Week 1

The Vanderbilt Commodores saw defensive lineman Glenn Seabrooks break out as a freshman in 2024. However, his status for the start of the 2025 season had been in doubt until a recent injury update from head coach Clark Lea.

Seabrooks has missed time during Fall Camp with an injury. Luckily, he has been able to return to practice ahead of Week 1, and while Lea didn’t fully commit to getting Seabrooks back on the field, he did sound extremely positive about his chance to play.

“He’s back in practice,” Lea said. “He, today, was able to work on in the scout periods and really had no restrictions. So, he’s back at it. We have him, right now, listed as probably for the game.”

For the most part, Lea and Vanderbilt have kept the injury that sidelined Seabrooks relatively under wraps. However, he’s expected to be a key member of the defensive line. So, getting him back to action was very important for the Commodores.

“Because he’s missed time in camp, again, we want to be smart with him. We’ll see how he responds tomorrow. In another day, we’ll have a chance to have the pads on and compete,” Lea said. “But I’ve been pleased with how he’s recovered, and it’s great to have him back out there. So, we’re planning on having him with us and playing on Saturday.”

Seabrooks initially came to Vanderbilt as a three-star recruit in the Class of 2024. A Nashville native, he was the 1,415th-ranked prospect overall and the 131st-ranked interior offensive lineman, but converted to defensive line once he got to Vanderbilt.

Quickly, Seabrooks made an impression on the field for the Commodores. In 13 games as a true freshman, he would make 28 total tackles, including a tackle for a loss. Seabrooks would also snag an interception and force a fumble.

Clark Lea claims this is the best roster he’s had at Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt is coming off its first trip to a bowl game under Clark Lea. Now, looking to build on that, Lea says he has the best roster he’s had since getting to Vanderbilt.

“It’s the best that we’ve had since I’ve been here. I think just in terms of depth. Part of that is developmental. Part of that has been strategic portal additions. I think going into year five, you should have the best roster you’ve had. You know? But it’s good to feel like we’ve got a good team. In our league, that will get you to the game. I mean, we’ve got to find ways to win. That’ll be a challenge,” Lea said.

“But we like our team. As far as my coaching career, I think it’s hard to say. I feel like the game’s changed so much in the last few years. But I think with where we are in terms of the skill we have, kind of our physical identity. Up front, we have what it takes to reach for the things that we want to reach for. So, I’m excited about that.”

Vanderbilt opens the season on August 30th against Charleston Southern. Later, on September 13th, Vanderbilt is going to travel to South Carolina to kick off SEC play.